Congratulations to Transportation Planning Director Scott Harmstead, MPA, AICP, who has been awarded Western Planner’s 2023 Planner of the Year. Scott was nominated for this prestigious recognition by his colleagues from the North Dakota Planning Association board.
The Planner of the Year Award recognizes planners who are highly regarded by their peers and other industry professionals and who honorably serve and represent communities in western US. These award winners are planners “who have the fortitude, skill, and humor necessary to be recognized practitioners and outspoken advocates on behalf of planning in the West.”
I am humbled to hear of this award and the kind thoughts of my fellow planning practitioners, both public and private, in North Dakota. My hope is that my contributions to planning lead to healthier environments for all—safer, more economic opportunities, and better connected.
Scott Harmstead, MPA, AICP
Throughout his 17 years of planning experience in the public and private sectors, Scott’s focus has always been on the people of the communities he serves – enhancing their quality of life, ensuring equitable access to amenities, and empowering them to succeed. This accolade is well-deserved given Scott’s service-based approach to community planning and his history of success working within communities throughout North Dakota and the surrounding area.
Scott is well-deserving of the Western Planner of the Year award. He is a wonderful example of the planning profession and has contributed so much value to the industry throughout his career. Congratulations Scott!
Andrew Mielke, AICP, Vice President – Planning and Regional Offices
The awards will be officially distributed at the 2023 American Planning Association Alaska/Western Planners Conference on September 20 in Anchorage, Alaska.